Vince Muscat details alleged murder plot preparations in court
Convicted murderer Vince Muscat, known as il-Koħħu, continued giving evidence on Monday in the trial over the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, describing the alleged preparations leading up to the assassination. Muscat testified that weapons had been obtained, surveillance carried out on Caruana Galizia and plans made to kill her before the 2017 murder. He also claimed the explosive device used in the assassination had been brought to Malta by Jamie Vella and Robert Agius, known as Tal-Maksar, before being stored at different locations. During his testimony, Muscat alleged that George Degiorgio had told him then minister Chris Cardona was receiving information through former Assistant Police Commissioner Silvio Valletta. He also referred to an alleged €150,000 payment linked to the murder plot. Proceedings were briefly suspended before resuming with Muscat’s testimony, which is expected to continue. Those named in court have previously denied wrongdoing or the allegations made against them. (Times of Malta)
ITS unveils five-year strategy to strengthen tourism education: The Institute for Tourism Studies (ITS) has launched a new five-year strategy aimed at modernising tourism education, strengthening industry links and enhancing its international reputation. Covering the period from 2026 to 2030, the strategy focuses on improving the quality of teaching, upgrading infrastructure, expanding digitalisation and reinforcing governance and academic capacity. It also provides for the introduction of new specialist courses and a revamped curriculum designed to better meet the evolving needs of Malta’s tourism and hospitality sector. The plan seeks to build on the Skills Pass programme while increasing collaboration with industry operators and expanding the institute’s international presence. Tourism Minister Jo Etienne Abela described investment in ITS as an investment in the future of Maltese and Gozitan tourism, saying the strategy supports the Malta 2050 Vision by placing greater emphasis on quality, skills and higher-value services. ITS chief executive Pierre Fenech said the strategy builds on the success of the previous plan while setting ambitious but measurable targets for the years ahead. (The Malta Independent)
Malta braces for scorching week as temperatures soar
Malta is set for a spell of intense summer heat this week, with temperatures expected to reach 36°C and ‘feels like’ temperatures climbing to 40°C by Sunday. According to the Meteorological Office, the hot conditions will persist from Wednesday as a high-pressure weather system known as an Omega Block settles over much of the Mediterranean, bringing prolonged dry and stable weather. While conditions will be uncomfortably hot, the Met Office said the current forecasts do not meet Malta’s official definition of a heatwave. A heatwave requires temperatures to remain at least 5°C above the July average for three consecutive days, a threshold not expected to be reached. Nevertheless, residents and visitors are being urged to take precautions during the hottest parts of the day, remain hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun as the settled weather is forecast to continue throughout the weekend.(Maltatoday)
